Nintendo recently announced that a new addition to the 3DS family will be released in October. Ironically, though, it won't have 3D functionality. I guess that's why it's called the Nintendo 2DS.

Well played.

As someone who had just recently bought a 3DS XL, I appreciate the technology and the effort that Nintendo has put into it. That's why I find the 2DS useless.

The normal 3DS costs $170, while the XL costs $200; the 2DS, is priced at $130. It can play all 3DS and most DS games, but as its name suggests, it's a 3DS without the 3D. The first concern I have in mind in line with that is this: what purpose does the 2DS serve for games that specifically need the 3D function in order to be appreciated and played to their full glory?

I can understand Nintendo's concerns for children when it warned their parents that the 3D function might harm the kids' vision, but I think that isn't a sufficient reason to make a new 2DS. As a matter of fact, the 3DS itself can be a 2DS!

The Nintendo DS series has been known for its clam-shaped form factor, and that's why it's a big WTF for me to see that the 2DS takes the shape of a slate; even worse, the blade of a wood-chopping axe. I can't seem to see the creative idea behind the shape. It's the concept of the device folding that made the DS look cool and sell, so why take that away?

On the brighter side of things, there are people who say that the 2DS feels more comfortable to hold compared to the 3DS. The slate form factor adds to the durability of the portable console.

Since they say that it's made for younger kids, I guess the elimination of the clam-shape makes sense, because kids tend to throw stuff out of random whim. And if the kids do throw this, I won't blame them. At least, it won't break easily, given the ugly-yet-sturdy form factor.

The only reason I see why they would make this 2DS is to appeal to those who simply can't afford the price of a 3DS. To be honest, I'm not the type of person who can readily afford a high-priced videogame console, that's why I saved up for it. The way I see it, the 2DS defeats the purpose of saving up for something better.

The 2DS will be released in North America, Europe and Australia; there is no news regarding a Japan release as of late, but I and hope that Nintendo Japan doesn't like the concept enough for it to warrant a release. Personally, the mere fact that the Nintendo 2DS is going to be released is not a joke is a joke in itself. I just don't see the point of it all.